Have you always dreamed of visiting Sweden, but don’t have the time or money to fly thousands of miles away to a different country? Well, Swedesburg, Iowa, is the next best thing.
Swedesburg is an unincorporated community in northern Henry County near Mt. Pleasant. Swedesburg may be small, but it has strong Swedish roots, which it proudly displays throughout the town.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
Swedesburg is home to the Swedish Heritage Museum, which displays all manner of artifacts, memorabilia, and other items of Swedish heritage. The museum, which is made possible by the Swedish Heritage Society, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
Next to the museum is a giant Dala horse, whom the locals call Ole. Dala horses are widely recognized as a symbol of Sweden.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
In addition to the main building, the museum complex features a little red stuga, which is a model of the small cottages typically found in rural Sweden.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
Another mark of Swedish heritage for visitors to see is the giant straw Yule Goat. It is Swedish tradition for the Yule Goat to be erected each year at the beginning of Advent.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
Besides the Yule Goat, another Swedish tradition that has been upheld by the Swedish Heritage Society is the midsummer festival. Midsummer is the longest day of the year, and a major holiday in Sweden. To celebrate this, the people of Swedesburg raise the “Maypole,” then follow the ceremony with traditional singing and dancing.
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
For a more in-depth look at the history of Swedesburg, check out the video below:
Swedish American Museum and Historical Society/Facebook
A big thanks to the Swedish American Museum and Historical Society for the photos used above. You can check out their Facebook page, here, for more information.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
